Tag: Isaiah 1:19

November 18, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Obeying Even When You Don’t Want To

Opening Verse

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)

Introduction

Obedience to God can be challenging, especially when His instructions seem difficult or inconvenient. However, choosing to obey—even when you don’t feel like it—is a testament of faith. God honors our obedience and strengthens us in the process.

Devotional Story

Anna was a woman who loved her family but struggled with a strained relationship with her sister. One morning during prayer, she felt God prompting her to forgive and reconcile. Anna resisted, arguing with herself that her sister didn’t deserve forgiveness. The thought of humbling herself and reaching out felt unbearable.

Still, the gentle nudging of the Holy Spirit wouldn’t stop. After much internal wrestling, Anna finally obeyed. She picked up the phone, apologized for her part in the conflict, and forgave her sister. To her surprise, her sister also apologized, and their relationship began to heal. Through this experience, Anna realized that her obedience wasn’t just about her—it was about God’s greater plan for restoration.

Anna’s story mirrors Jonah’s journey. When God called him to preach to the people of Nineveh, Jonah resisted because he didn’t think they deserved God’s mercy. Despite Jonah’s reluctance, God’s patience and persistence led him to obey, and through that obedience, an entire city was saved (Jonah 3:5-10).

What This Means

God’s commands often lead us to step out of our comfort zones. While obedience may feel difficult, it’s an act of trust in His wisdom and love. When we follow Him, even reluctantly, He works through us in ways we cannot imagine, and His strength carries us through.

Think About This

  • Are there areas in your life where you’re resisting God’s guidance?
  • What blessings might be waiting on the other side of your obedience?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I confess that there are times when I struggle to obey Your instructions. Please help me to trust You, even when I don’t fully understand or want to act. Give me the courage to follow where You lead, knowing that Your plans are for my good and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.” – Isaiah 1:19 (KJV)

October 16, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

God Will Use You as Long as You Obey

Opening Verse:

 

“And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”— 1 Samuel 15:22 (KJV)

 

Introduction:

 

There are times in life when we may not feel “in the spirit.” Perhaps the pressures of life or personal struggles leave us feeling disconnected. Yet, God’s plans for us don’t depend on our emotions. He asks for our obedience, not perfection. When we obey Him, even in moments of spiritual dryness, He can still work through us mightily.

 

Devotional Story:

 

Sarah often felt unworthy of God’s calling on her life. She was involved in church ministry but would have days when her spirit felt heavy and her passion seemed distant. Despite her emotional struggles, Sarah remembered the importance of obedience. One Sunday, she had no motivation to lead worship, but she chose to show up anyway, trusting God’s plan over her feelings.

 

As she sang, a woman in the congregation broke down in tears, moved by the song. After the service, the woman shared that God had used that specific song to speak to her heart in a profound way. Sarah realized that even when she didn’t feel spiritually equipped, God still moved through her obedience.

 

What This Means:

Obedience is key to fulfilling God’s will. Our emotions or spiritual “highs” are not the foundation of our calling. God’s grace covers our weakness, and He uses us when we are faithful to His command. The act of showing up and saying “yes” to God in moments of doubt or spiritual dryness can lead to greater outcomes than we might ever expect.

 

Think About This:

Are there areas in your life where you’re hesitant to obey because you don’t feel spiritually ready or worthy? God is looking for a willing heart, and He can accomplish His purpose even when you feel at your lowest.

 

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help me to trust You and obey, even when I don’t feel in the spirit. Thank You for reminding me that it’s not by my strength, but by Your power. Guide me to always say “yes” to Your call, knowing that You are working through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Closing Verse:

 

“If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.”— Isaiah 1:19 (KJV)